Where Can Your Pool Sit?

Understand how different asset buckets compare when it comes to risk, return, liquidity, and alignment with your pool’s goals.

Asset	Avg Return (20yr)	Volatility / Liquidity	Friction / Fees	Best For
High-Yield Savings (4–5%)	~4.4%	Very low; FDIC insured; daily liquidity	None; interest taxable	Short goals: emergencies, weddings
Gold / Precious Metals	~10.2%	Liquid via ETFs; high swing range	~0.5% ETF or 3–5% markup	Hedge, tail-risk ballast (max 10%)
Fine Art & Collectibles	~12% CAGR (2000–23)	Illiquid, long exit time	15–20% auction fees	Legacy pools with 5–10yr horizon
Residential Real Estate	~5–6% + leverage	Stable but high entry/exit costs	5–10% close & carry	3–5yr+ down-payment or income fund
S&P 500 / Public Equities	~11.0% (2005–25)	High drawdowns every 3–4 yrs	0.03–0.10% ETF fee	Long-term growth (5yr+)
Balanced Portfolio (60/30/10)	~7–8%	Moderate risk/return profile	~0.06% blended ETF fee	PCI’s default; ideal for 3yr+ goals

Data sourced from NerdWallet,
Curvo,
Artprice and others.